Lesson 19: I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my thoughts

This lesson digs into something I’ve been circling around for a while—the idea that my thoughts aren’t private, even though it often feels like they are. At first, this can feel like a bit of an invasion. We all like to think we have our own private space inside our heads, right? But here, we’re being asked to consider that what goes on in our minds doesn’t stay private. In fact, our thoughts have ripple effects that stretch beyond what we can see.

So, this lesson is a continuation of what we've already been discovering—that our thoughts and perceptions are connected, not just to us but to others as well. It reminds me that what I’m thinking is part of a larger whole. And because of that, what I see, think, and feel isn’t just “my business.” This is definitely a new way of looking at things for me.

The idea that I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my thoughts isn’t just a theory. I’ve noticed this in my life time and time again. For instance, when I think about a friend, it’s almost a guarantee that I’ll hear from her soon after. It’s been like this for years. I’ve also experienced a deep connection with my mother—we seem to always know when the other is thinking about us. I remember one time, I was feeling really upset, missing my son, and had tears in my eyes. Out of nowhere, I got a message from my mum asking if I was okay. It was like she picked up on my feelings across the distance. These experiences, especially with my husband, happen so often that it’s almost second nature now. We’re constantly on the same wavelength, whether it’s deciding to go out for dinner or talking about something that’s been on both of our minds.

This lesson has made me reflect on how powerful our thoughts really are. I once watched a TikTok that tried to explain why both sides of the flat earth conspiracy theory have so much “proof.” The idea was that because so many people believe in both sides, it’s like their collective thoughts are demonstrating both realities. It struck me that maybe our thoughts are shaping what we see in the world more than we realise.

Today's exercise itself is fairly straightforward. Close your eyes, think of someone or something, and remind yourself: I am not alone in experiencing the effects of this thought. It’s a little mind-blowing to think that even when I’m sitting alone in my room, what’s going on in my head is connecting with others. When we think of it this way.

I am not alone in experiencing the effects of this thought about

Trump,

Flat Earth,

Fast Food,

My washing is not going to get dry today.

One thing that really clicked with me is the connection between our thoughts and guilt. The Course teaches that when we project guilt, it affects others—because our minds are joined. Even if I don’t say something aloud, that thought, that energy, still has an impact. It’s like the guilt I carry or the judgments I hold silently in my mind are still being passed around. It makes me think about the responsibility we have for what goes on inside us.

This feels like one of those lessons that will take time to fully absorb. But for now, I’m learning to be more aware of how my thoughts—whether I voice them or not—are contributing to the world around me. It’s a bit overwhelming to think about how much we’re all connected in this way, but I also see it as a kind of relief. It means we’re not doing this alone. We’re all in this together, even if we don’t realise it most of the time.

Bibliography:

• A Course in Miracles. Foundation for Inner Peace. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, 3rd Edition. Foundation for Inner Peace, 2007. URL: https://acim.org.